Heritage is about the things from the past which are valued enough today to save for tomorrow.

Gallery

Location

270-272 William Street

Year Constructed

1896

Architectural Styles

Architects

Associations

Shops, 270-272 William St Northbridge

The single-storey shops at 270-272 William Street were erected around 1896. Both shopfronts are relatively intact and they are the only pair of matching shopfronts on the street. They have timber frames which have a square profile with little detailing, and are probably original. The first occupants appear to have been a butcher and a bootmaker.

Detailed Description

The single-storey shops at 270-272 William Street were erected around 1896. Both shopfronts are relatively intact and they are the only pair of matching shopfronts on the street. They have timber frames which have a square profile with little detailing, and are probably original. The first occupants appear to have been a butcher and a bootmaker.

Originally called Hutt Street, the William Street area always had a reputation as a commercial and cultural centre. However, around 1900 the area was better known for its many brothels. It is thought that there were around forty-five houses used as brothels in this area at the time.

In 1896 Perth City Council commenced numbering the buildings along Perth’s streets. The idea was instigated by the Post Office and reflects the growing nature of the city. In 1897, Hutt Street was renamed William Street, Lamb Street became Aberdeen Street and Limbo Street became Museum Street. Other streets were renamed to extend the arterial roads. For instance, Howick Street became Hay Street.

The construction of the Horseshoe Bridge in 1903 had a major impact on William Street. Although the bridge was unpopular in some circles, it provided a safe overhead crossing of the railway. Opposition to the bridge was principally because it was erected at the expense of the two pedestrian overpasses. The shape of the new bridge meant pedestrians had to walk a great deal further to pass over the railway lines. However, the bridge had a favourable impact on businesses in William Street as there were no more delays at the William Street crossing.

William Street underwent massive changes during the late 19th century. In the late 1880s, Hutt Street was on the periphery of the town with few buildings. By the turn of the century, William Street south of Aberdeen Street was a busy commercial district and an arterial road. The mixture of commercial, cultural and ‘immoral’ activities formed William Street’s individual character. The present diverse social, cultural and commercial mix is a continuation of the developments from the beginning of the 20th century.